From eliinbar’s sketchbook 2012 OMA’s “design Strategies” - Following the two previous posts about Bjarke Ingels Group – BIG,In this post I will try to explain the concept of ”conscious inspiration” through the following example.-Here is the story of the architectural firm OMA.OMA was established in 1975 by Rem Koolhaas and his partners.Today OMA is one of the world’s most innovative architect firms.. Some of its former employees have become the world’s leading architectural firms working today. (Zaha Hadid,MVRDV, REX, BIG) - I will Start with the short story of the “The stacking Diagram, design Strategy”,developed by Rem Koolhaas and OMA in the 90th. - More “stories” will be detailed in my future posts ….See the sketch above with some design strategies of Rem of Koolhaass’ and his followers…… There is what to look forward to.. – The “stacking Diagram design Strategy”: Rem Koolhaas & OMA ArchitectsThe Hyperbuilding , A self-contained city for 120,000 inhabitants with housing, education, culture, welfare, medical facilities, amusement, industry, retail . Bangkok, Thailand 1996- MVRDV Architects Mirador residential building Sanchinarro Madrid-Spain ( in Collaboration with Blanca Lleo’ Asociados) 2001-2004More information about MVRDV Architects and “Conscious Inspiration” ,brose to my post MVRDV & Le Corbusier and the ultimate inspirational roof terrace- REX architects Museum Plaza Louisville Kentuky USA published 2005-More information about Rex Architects and “Conscious Inspiration” brose to my post REX Architects &” Conscious Inspiration” - From eliinbar’s sketchbook 2012 OMA’s “stacking Diagram design Strategy”-Note the similarity in the design process,in four projects1. Definition of size and shape of the spaces in accordance with the program.2. Designing the building as a “stacking Diagram” emphasizing the program. —-Check the NEW CONSCIOUS INSPARATION PAGEin my Facebook– Like this:LikeBe the first to like this post.
This entry was posted on May 28, 2012 at 6:07 pm and is filed under buildings, public buildings with tags “stacking Diagram design Strategy”, “The stacking Diagram, BIG, Bjarke Ingels Group, Blanca Lleo’ Asociados, CONSCIOUS INSPARATION PAGE, Conscious Inspiration, design Strategy”, eliinbar’s sketchbook 2012, Hyperbuilding, Mirador residential building, Museum Plaza, MVRDV, OMA, Rem Koolhaas, Rex, Zaha Hadid. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
In two and half weeks, on June 15th, entries are due for the Doll Street Re-Imagine History Challenge that I’m hosting.The idea behind this challenge is to create a doll with a historical costuming element, mixed in with something unexpected to create a re-imagined past, present or future.We have a fantastic collection of prizes on offer from our sponsors. Three of the four prize categories include the covetable DVD Cloth Doll Making with Patti Medaris Culea from Fine Arts and Crafts Film maker, Studio Galli.This video clip from the Cloth Doll Making DVD will give you a feel for just how fantastic this DVD really is: I was lucky enough to have been given this DVD for my birthday this year. Even though I teach cloth doll making myself, own all of Patti’s books and have taken classes with Patti in person, I still learned new techniques from this DVD. If you don’t have this DVD yet you have two choices:1) Enter the challenge and win yourself a copy.This challenge is specifically geared so that any doll maker, anywhere in the world, and with any level of ability can participate, there is a good chance that you could be the winner of one of the four prize packages worth over $100 USD each!But you do have to enter to win. Click here to read the rules of the challenge and to find out more about the prizes.2) Buy the DVD for yourself.With 2 discs and almost 5 hours of instruction, plus the free bonus doll pattern that is included with the DVD, you won’t be disappointed. If you really can’t get to a doll class in person than this DVD is the next best thing. You can pause for tea breaks, replay bits you didn’t quite get – it’s like having Patti Culea in your living room!And there is more big news from Studio Galli and Patti Culea – Patti’s next cloth doll making DVD is in the midst of being filmed!Cloth Doll Inspirations with Patti Medaris Culea goes beyond the fantastic DVD, “Cloth Doll Making”, by offering a series of workshops around dressing and customizing doll patterns to suit your style, flair and individuality. Whether you are modifying a basic pattern, or working from an inspirational photograph or illustration, or inspired by old watch bits and grandma’s lace — this film is sure to leave you looking at cloth doll creations in a wholly new and personal way.Filming in San Diego, California, May 2012 • Available Fall 2012.Keep an eye on Studio Galli’s You Tube channel for previews of Patti Culea’s next DVD and remember to finish your Re-Imagine History Challenge doll in time for June 15th to be in with a chance to win the first DVD.
This book charts some of the unique and extraordinary achievements of Descendants youth organisation, from its founding in 1993 to March 2012.Open this book to read how Descendants young people met the Queen at Buckingham Palace, and performed at her Golden Jubilee parade. They were invited to help launch an education bill, with the then Prime Minister, Tony Blair. Follow Descendants as they perform at the Royal Albert Hall for Patti Boulaye’s charity, they act in a film made and directed by Pogus Caesar (which was shown alongside Steve McQueen’s films at the Lumiere Theatre) they visit Oxford University, their artwork is exhibited at Pitzhanger Manor Art Gallery, they raise money for charities, and meet famous and inspirational people.Descendants Annual Achievement Awards honour the achievements of young people of African and Caribbean descent from Descendants and Ealing schools.There have been many other inspiring projects and events. Recent initiatives include helping to organise a conference, setting up accredited parenting classes and boys-only and girls-only clubs.This book is inspirational reading for young people, parents, teachers, youth workers, and anyone who believes in what young people can achieve. It is all the more important that young people and adults, all members of the Descendants community, have worked together to write the story.You can order your copy of the book for only £7.99 including postage and packaging via the button below. PayPal processes the payment via your debit/credit card (so you don’t need to log into or join PayPal to pay for your copy of the book). Books are dispatched via first class mail for UK orders (please allow a few days for delivery), and surface mail for international orders (international orders may take a few weeks to be delivered).If there are any problems with your order, please email editor@authortrek.com
Memorial Day originated in the nineteenth century as a day to remember the soldiers who gave their lives in the American Civil War by decorating their graves with flowers. It is the day Americans remember its military personnel who died while serving our country. It is a day when people decorate the graves of our fallen military heroes. On this scared day I compiled my favorite tributes to our military men and women who gave their all serving our country.Duty, Honor, Countryby Five Star General Douglas MacArthurThe motto of the United States Military Academy at West Point is “Duty, Honor, County.” On May 12, 1962, retired 82 year old U.S. Army General Douglas MacArthur, holder of the Medal of Honor and the leader of the Army in the Pacific theater during World War II, gave his now famous 34 minute “Duty, Honor, Country” speech without notes to the entire corps of 2,100+ West Point cadets. This speech is my favorite speech of all time on any topic. I re-read it several times a year because: (i) what the General says about military service and sacrifice and Duty, Honor, Country moves and inspires me, and (ii) what he said then is as true now as it has always been throughout the history of the U.S. military. Read the entire text and listen to an audio of the General’s speech.Here are a few statements about military men and women from General MacArthur’s speech:“Duty, Honor, Country — those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you want to be, what you can be, what you will be. . . .”
“It is the story of the American man at arms. My estimate of him was formed on the battlefields many, many years ago, and has never changed. I regarded him then, as I regard him now, as one of the world’s noblest figures; not only as one of the finest military characters, but also as one of the most stainless. His name and fame are the birthright of every American citizen. In his youth and strength, his love and loyalty, he gave all that mortality can give. He needs no eulogy from me or from any other man. He has written his own history and written it in red on his enemy’s breast. . . .”
“I do not know the dignity of their birth, but I do know the glory of their death. They died unquestioning, uncomplaining, with faith in their hearts, and on their lips the hope that we would go on to victory. Always for them Duty, Honor, Country. Always their blood and sweat and tears as we sought the way and the truth and the light.”
Remember Meby then 15 year old high school sophomore Lizzie PalmerThis is one of my all time favorite videos. It is also one of Youtube’s most viewed videos of all time. This video is especially important on Memorial Day because its message is that our military personnel ask Americans to remember them.President Lincoln’s Letter to Lydia BixbyExecutive Mansion Washington
Nov. 21, 1864
To Mrs. Bixby,
Dear Madam,
I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle. I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the republic they died to save. I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.
Yours very sincerely and respectfully,
A. LincolnUnion Army Major Sullivan Ballou’s Last Letter to His WifeA week before the Civil War Battle of Bull Run Sullivan Ballou, a Major in the Second Rhode Island Volunteers, wrote home to his wife in Smithfield. Major Ballou says that his commitment to Duty, Honor & Country comes first ahead of duty to and love of his wife and children, even as it leads him to death in battle.July 14, 1861
Sara Ballou
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sara,
The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days, perhaps tomorrow. Less I shall not be able to write you again, I feel compelled to write a few lines that may fall under your eye when I am no more.
Our movement may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure — and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine 0 God, be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about or lack of confidence in the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how American civilization now leans upon the triumph of the government and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the revolution. I am willing, perfectly willing, to lay down all my joys in this life to help maintain this government and to pay that debt.
But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows — when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children — is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country?
I cannot describe to you my feelings on this calm summer night, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enjoying the last, perhaps, before that of death — and I, suspicious that Death is creeping behind me with his fatal dart, am communing with God, my country, and thee.
I have sought most closely and diligently, and often in my breast, for a wrong motive in thus hazarding the happiness of those I loved and I could not find one. A pure love of my country and of the principles have often advocated before the people and “the name of honor that I love more than I fear death” have called upon me, and I have obeyed.
Sara, my love for you is depthless. It seems to bind me with mighty cables that nothing but omnipotence can break. Yet my love of country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly with all those chains to the battlefield. The memory of all the blissful moments I have enjoyed with you come crowding over me. I feel most deeply grateful to God and you that I have enjoyed them for so long. How hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes our hopes and future years when, God willing, we might still have lived and loved together and seen our boys grown up to honorable manhood around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me — perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar — that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name.
Forgive my many faults and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless, how foolish I have sometimes been. How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more.
But, oh Sara, if the dead can come back to this earth and fly unseen around those they love, I shall always be with you on the brightest day and the darkest night. Always. Always. When the soft breeze fans your cheek, it shall be my breath. When the cool air caresses your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by. Sara, do not morn me dead. Think I am gone and wait for me. We shall meet again.
As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father’s love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood. Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters. Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God’s blessing upon them. O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children.
Your loving husband,
Sullivan BallouA week after writing this letter, Major Ballou was killed at the first Battle of Bull Run.Here’s to the Heroes – A Military TributeMore to Reasons to RememberHere are links to other inspirational statements made by and about our brave men and women who all Americans should remember on this Memorial Day:Marine Sgt. Daniel Clay’s Letter to His Family – U.S. Marine SSgt. Daniel Clay was killed in action in Iraq on December 1, 2005. Before leaving home for his second tour in Iraq, Sgt Clay left a letter with his family and an instruction to open the letter only in the event of his death. A few quotes – note his references to duty and honor:
“What we have done in Iraq is worth any sacrifice. Why? Because it was our duty. That sounds simple. But all of us have a duty. Duty is defined as a God given task. Without duty life is worthless. . . .”
“You all have your duties. Be thankful that God in His wisdom gives us work. Mine was to ensure that you did not have to experience what it takes to protect what we have as a family. This I am so thankful for. I know what honor is. It is not a word to be thrown around. It has been an Honor to protect and serve all of you. I faced death with the secure knowledge that you would not have to. . . .”
“I have been in the company of heroes. I now am counted among them. Never falter! Don’t hesitate to honor and support those of us who have the honor of protecting that which is worth protecting. . . .”
Army Sgt. Michael Carlson’s High School Paper – Wise beyond his years, Mike Carlson who died in Iraq in 2005 wrote a credo paper his senior year in high school that moves everyone who reads it. Here is just a part of young 18 year old Mike Carlson’s essay:
“I want to live forever; the only way that one could possibly achieve it in this day and age is to live on in those you have affected. I want to carve out a niche for myself in the history books. I want to be remembered for the things I accomplished. I sometimes dream of being a soldier in a war. In this war I am helping to liberate people from oppression.”
“In the end there is a big parade and a monument built to immortalize us in stone. Other times I envision being a man you see out of the corner of your eye, dressed in black fatigues, entering a building full of terrorists. After everything is completed I slip out the back only to repeat this the next time l am called. I might not be remembered in that scenario, but I will have helped people.”
Marine 1st Lt. Travis Manion and Navy Lt. Brendan Looney -Tom Manion wrote a heartbreaking story in the Wall St. Journal called “Why They Serve—’If Not Me, Then Who?’” in which he said “After more than a decade of war, remarkable men and women are still stepping forward.” Tom spent 30 years in the military and he writes about two graduates of the U.S. Naval Academy – his son Lt. Travis Manion and his son’s good friend Lt. Brendan Looney. When Lt. Manion was killed in Iraq in 2007 his good friend Lt. Looney was in training to be a Navy SEAL. Lt. Looney was devasted at the death of his friend. In 2010 Lt. Looney and 7 other Americans were killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan. Lt. Manion and Lt. Looney are buried next to each other at in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery.
American Heroes – Remembering six United States Air Force and Navy fliers from my days flying the F-4 Phantom II supersonic fighter bomber in the USAF. The men are:
Lt. Phil Clark (father – killed in action over North Vietnam in 1972) & Lt. Terry Clark (son – killed in an F-14 accident off the coast of San Diego in 1996), two Annapolis graduates and Navy pilots buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Phil’s father, Phil, Sr., was a long-time friend of my parents. I’ll never forget Colonel Phil Clark, Sr. (USAF ret.)., telling me how difficult it was for he and his wife Freda to go to Arlington National Cemetery twice, once to bury their son Phil and again to bury Terry, the grandson they raised after losing their son Phil and his young wife.Captain Thomas A. Amos (35th Tactical Fighter Squadron) and Captain Mason I. Burnham (421st Tactical Fighter Squadron) were killed in action during an F-4D combat mission over Laos on April 20, 1972. Tom Amos was the only member of my squadron that was killed in action while the 35th TFS was on temporary duty from Kunsan Air Base, Korea, to Danang Air Base, South Vietnam, and Korat Air Base, Thailand, in 1972. See “35th Tactical Fighter Squadron MiG Kills.”Military people risk their lives and die even during training. While I was stationed at Kunsan Air Base, Korea, my squadron lost two men. Captain Tom Ballard and Lt. Ron Goodwin of the 35th Tactical Fighter Squadron were killed flying an F-4 during a nuclear bomb delivery training mission over Korea on February 16, 1973. They were on a typical F-4 training mission. Tom and Ron were tasked to fly a low level route in their F-4D and deliver their first practice simulated nuclear bomb within 1,500 feet of the target plus or minus two minutes of a designated time over the target (TOT).In Remembrance of Edward SchwebelI want to remember my good friend Ed Schwebel, 63, who died on May 11, 2010, from a fall off of a ladder. Ed and I were F-4 instructors in the 35th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron at George Air Force Base, California. We were in the same squadron from 1973 to 1976. In 1973, Ed has just returned from a year of flying combat missions in the F-4 over South Vietnam, North Vietnam and Laos. Peace brother and keep your mach up.Woodrow Dutt & Elmer DuttMy wife and I also want to remember her two uncles, Woodrow Wilson Dutt and Elmer F. Dutt, who were killed in action during World War II. Lt. Woodrow Dutt was a navigator on a B-17 who was wounded on a bombing mission over France and died from his wounds on July 9, 1944. Private First Class Elmer Dutt died in North Africa in 1943.Harold R. Keyt, My FatherLast, but certainly not least, I want to pay tribute and remember my wonderful father, Harold R. Keyt. Hal retired as a Major from the USAF after 20+ years of service. When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, my Dad, like hundreds of thousands of other young men of that time, joined the Army Air Force to fight and serve. Without knowing if he would ever return to his family and the U.S., my Dad went to England and flew day light bombing missions over Germany as a B-17 navigator. I love and miss you Dad.Related posts:Here’s to the Heroes – A Military Tribute
Susan Granger’s review of “Crooked Arrows” (Freestyle releasing/Branded Pictures) It’s a bit misleading to say this is the best movie about lacrosse – because it may be the first mainstream movie ever made about the fastest-growing participant sport in America. Utilizing the ever-popular David-vs.-Goliath inspirational theme, it reveals the Native American legacy of lacrosse, which is said to combine the speed of soccer with the hand/eye coordination of basketball and the physicality of football. Opening with glimpses of the Haunenosaunee (a.k.a. the six Iroquois nations) – including the Cayugas, Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, Senecas and Tuscaroras – in the forest playing an ancient version of lacrosse “to entertain the Creator” in A.D. 1200, the story commences on the (fictional) Sunaquot Nation reservation in upstate New York. That’s where half-Native American John Logan (Brandon Routh), driving a snazzy red sports car with the license plate WAMPUM, is promoting the expansion of Lucky Indian Casino on tribal land. His traditionalist father (Gil Birmingham), negotiates approval for the deal only if John, a former lacrosse hotshot, agrees to coach the struggling team, noting: “The game has been in our blood for 1,000 years.” While the ill-equipped, underfunded Sunaquot team is in the New York Prep League, pitted against elitist prep schools, their most formidable rival is the Coventry Academy team, one of whose members blindsided John’s younger sister Nadie (Chelsea Ricketts), causing her to break an ankle while filling in for one of the boys. Supervised by Grandma Skye (Kakaionshta Betty Deer) John Logan’s spiritual quest to reconnect with his cultural heritage invigorates the team and reunites him with his former girlfriend, Dr. Julie Gifford (Crystal Allen), now teaching high school on the reservation. Scripted by Todd Baird and Brad Riddell and directed by Steve Rash, it’s thoroughly engaging, like other sports underdog stories, including “The Bad-News Bears,” “The Mighty Ducks,” and “Cool Runnings.” It’s also significant is that not only Brandon Routh (“Superman Returns”) but also all the Crooked Arrow players are Native American descendants. On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “Crooked Arrows” is an authentic, uplifting 8, a feel-good family movie.
Today’s guest post comes from Joseph Butts, who served in 2005 as an AmeriCorps Service Leader with HandsOnAtlanta. He has gone on to become an author and publisher of inspirational books. His newest book, “When Nobody Gives You A Medal”, was written to encourage and inspire soldiers and veterans. It is available as a free download on Facebook.Serving in the AmeriCorps was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I look back on that time with appreciation because I learned that through service one person can make a difference. I experienced how patient and consistent service can positively affect the lives of children. Children who had often encountered nothing but impatience and inconsistency in their lives.While serving in the AmeriCorps I felt like my life had meaning. It was a wonderful experience, and I loved working with the children at my school! They helped me grow as an individual. And I trust that I inspired them as much they inspired me. I learned that acts of kindness are really seeds that we plant into the lives of others. Seeds that can yield a harvest that feed the spirit of the receiver, and the giver.My experiences in the AmeriCorps has also helped me grow into my life’s work; inspiring and encouraging others.I am doing this through publishing books that offer encouragement and inspiration to those that are often overlooked. I started with two groups that are among our most often forgotten; teachers and soldiers.Although we know that the work of our teachers and soldiers is valuable, they are still some of the most unappreciated.We take for granted the service of our teachers and soldiers because they work behind the scenes. And the benefits of their service is not immediately recognized.My first book, “When Nobody Brings You An Apple: Over 101 Proverbs and Quotes To Encourage and Inspire Your Favorite Teachers, Principals, Support Staff, and School Administrators” was written to encourage and inspire teachers.Almost everyone has a teacher that has affected their life for the better. The thing that can be most discouraging to teachers is that the affect and influence of their work may not be seen until many years down the road. We must encourage and support our teachers as often as we can!We can do this by volunteering a few hours at a local school, adopting a classroom, becoming a mentor, supplying needy students with school supplies, or by offering a teacher a few words of encouragement.My second book, “When Nobody Gives You A Medal: Over 101 Proverbs and Quotes To Encourage and Inspire Your Favorite Soldier”, was written for our veterans and soldiers.When we talk about acts of service, we may never fully know the full extent of the sacrifices that our veterans and soldiers have given to ensure our freedom. We enjoy our freedom yet often forget the men and women who have served and died to sustain it. Probably the most often overlooked aspect of their service is the scars that many have received. Some have lost limbs, sight, and hearing. But the worst scars are the ones that no one sees; the “invisible scars”.“Invisible scars” are the mental and emotional pain that soldiers have to live with as a result of their service. These types of scars do not heal as readily as physical ones. The affects of “invisible scars” not only affect the soldier or veteran, but also the people that love them.There is a Danish proverb that says, “Act in the valley so that you need not fear those who stand on the hill”. Our soldiers and veterans are the ones that have acted in the valley…so that we need not fear those who stand on the hill. We must encourage and support our soldiers and veterans as often as we can! (If possible, you can start by using the upcoming Memorial Day holiday as a day of service for soldiers or veterans.)If you would like ideas on how to serve and support our soldiers and veterans, here are a few. You can send a soldier a book or care package through Booksforsoldiers.com. You can also become a pen pal and send a care package through AdoptaPlatoon.org. For volunteer opportunities for veterans please visit The Coalition for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans and The Disabled American Veterans’ Voluntary Services Program.Your act of service will be appreciated. And the seed of kindness that you plant will reap a harvest that will continue to feed the receiver’s spirit, and your own.In what ways do you help to encourage others to continue their service?Share this:Like this:LikeBe the first to like this post.
I’m honored to feature Amber Perry. I recently discovered her blog, the Historical Christian Romance Review, and am impressed by her reviews, her support of historical romance authors, and her appreciation of the faith element in the books she reads.Amber earned a BA in Liberal Arts from Portland State University. She’s a performer and voice teacher. She and her busy family live in Washington State.Amber describes herself as a “happy-go-lucky homemaker with a passion for historical Christian romance.” If she’s not feeding her baby or coloring with her three-year-old, she’s reading. Her biggest concern each day is making sure everything she does is for the glory of God. She loves the Lord and is grateful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The thing she loves most about the inspirational historical romances she reads is that they help her draw closer to the Lord.I asked Amber three questions about her reading and review process. After that, you’re in for a treat, because you get to learn three fun things about the woman behind the reviews.Reading and ReviewingWhat led you to start reviewing books on your blog? When did you post your first review? What can your visitors expect in the future?As you will notice from my site, I just started blogging a few months ago! I discovered this genre of books last year, and from then on I could not get enough! I kept talking about the books I was reading to my friends and family—how I felt about the stories, the author’s styles of writing, etc. They enthusiastically encouraged me to blog. I’m not sure if their motivation in suggesting it was so I would stop bugging them, (teehee!) but either way I am glad I started!I know I have only a small number of titles reviewed right now, (considering that there are MANY historical Christian romances out there!) but believe me I will be reviewing books as long as the authors keep writing! I like to do at least one or two reviews a week, which is about all I can manage with my other “mommy chores,” as I like to call them. It’s a personal goal of mine to read every HCR (historical Christian romance) out there, so I hope that my blog will grow over time and that people really enjoy it!I will be starting an “author of the month” section on my blog next month, which will include a book give-away. Those who “follow” my blog will be instantly entered to win! Yay! Keli will be the featured author in October, so be sure to check back then! It’s gonna be fun!If there’s an aspect of a story you don’t care for, you address it head-on but with thoughtfulness. How do you balance a reader’s desire for an honest review with your heart for the author of the work?I have so much respect for authors! It takes a great deal of hard work, sweat and tears to get something published, so I have a hard time being too critical of someone’s work. Also, I think that a lot of what I feel as a reviewer/reader is personal preference.I try to focus on what I enjoyed and just touch briefly on the things that didn’t appeal to me, etc. I feel like it’s also important that my readers get a clear idea of when they can expect from the book, but I always want to be respectful of the authors.When and where do you do most of your reading?I do most of my reading when my kids are sleeping! It’s really the only quiet time I have, so I make the most of it. When my kids take their naps, I like to pop onto my stationary bike and workout while I read…it helps to make the workout less tedious! Teehee Or, after I have done all my “mommy chores” and everyone is sleeping soundly, I like to get “snuggly” in my reading corner and read until I can’t keep my eyes open any more!Three Fun Facts About AmberSince you love historical romance, I have a hunch you’re interested in history. What three historical sites have you most enjoyed visiting?Ooooo! Fun question!!! I do LOVE history, that’s for sure. Many years ago I visited Gettysburg and it was life-changing for me. It’s so humbling to think of what those people suffered and ultimately sacrificed for our country! I hope to go back some day.Another one of my favorite historical places is Williamsburg, VA! Man, oh man, oh man! I felt like I had died and gone to Colonial heaven! It was like I had stepped back in time—I would go there again every year if I could!I can never read too many cowboy stories! While I lived in Oklahoma City, I enjoyed the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum (not really a historic site, I know, but I had to mention it! Hope that’s OK!) It was SO much fun for me, and I think that’s where I really started to work-up a “hankerin’” for all things Western!Since you say on your blog that you dreamed of being a homemaker, I’m guessing you love to cook. Am I right? If so, what are your signature dishes? If not, which take out food could your husband bring home that would make you the happiest?Heeheehee! Well, yes, I have always wanted to be a homemaker and I love my job like none other! But, one of the areas I have less natural ability, (eh-hem) is in the kitchen. I am getting better though, and my hubby is a very good cook, so I like to learn from him. But if he were going to pick something up for us it would be Thai food! Yum!Since you’re a young mom, I’m sure you’ve watched your fair share of children’s movies. Which Disney princess is your favorite, and which Disney villain do you most like disliking?Wow, it’s like you have visited our house or something! With two little girls you know we watch our share of Disney! I think my favorite is Rapunzel. I love her sweetness, her tenacity, and her strength. My favorite villain? Oh boy, I think I would have to say Lady Tremaine from Cinderella. She is pure evil!Amber’s Question for YouSo readers, I am curious what it is that you look for in a review? Also, do you think that it’s important for my “site” to be on FB and Twitter too, because currently it’s not? Let me know your feelings!• • •To get in touch with Amber, email her at historicalchristianreview (at) gmail.com.Rate this:Share this:EmailLike this:LikeBe the first to like this post.
Huge news from One Golden Square!Absolute Radio will broadcast live commentary to the nation from UEFA EURO 2012 (TM) this summer with brand new radio rights to 10 matches including England and the Republic of Ireland’s matches from the group stage phase and knock out phases of the tournament.Fans can tune in across Absolute Radio which includes commentary on FM in a UK radio first, plus our very own Arsenal legend and former England International Ian Wright will take to the airwaves from 5pm with a daily show throughout the tournament.Wrighty will hand over to Jim Proudfoot who will commentate live on all of England and the Republic of Ireland’s group matches from Poland and the Ukraine followed by live commentary from two quarter finals, one semi-final and the final.‘Ian Wright’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Football’ will feature special guests, music, and listeners on the phone in a show that will give the fans a voice throughout UEFA EURO 2012 (TM). Wrighty will have his say and tell it like it is, drawing upon all of his experience from the major tournaments and brushes with the England squad throughout his career. There will be ‘no holds barred’ and ‘no sitting on the fence allowed’ as Wrighty is joined every day by his regular Saturday co-presenter, comedian Ian Stone.Then from 7pm-10pm Russ Williams will be joined by another regular on Saturday’s Rock N Roll Football show – Arsenal legend Perry Groves,to present a mixture of music and goals.To mark the launch of our coverage of UEFA EURO 2012 (TM) we’ve put our biggest and brightest foot-balling talent at the very heart of an inspirational video campaign. Ian Wright is thought of as many things; a legendary footballer, excitable pundit and talismanic leader of men but rarely a thoughtful poet and lover of classic English literature.The video portrays our man in a light never seen before as he recites British Nobel Laureate Rudyard Kipling’s ‘If’.As we head into this year’s European Championships there is little-to-no hope amongst the England fans that their team have a chance of progressing from the group stages, let alone win the tournament. However, there will always be that shred of hope at the back of every England fan’s mind that ‘just maybe… what if?’.The poem itself calls upon all those character traits that the English like to think they possess; level-headedness, (bridled) optimism and a sense of fair-play.Match Commentary from Jim and analysis from Wrighty and the team will be available on 105.8FM in London and the South East as well as 1215AM nationwide, on digital radio, online, mobile and digital TV ensuring that fans don’t miss a minute of the action.Ian Wright’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Football will run from Friday 8th June to Sunday 1st July 2012. Absolute Radio’s live commentary from UEFA EURO 2012 (TM) will kick off with Ireland v Croatia on Sunday 10th June followed the next day by England v France.Read what Media Week are saying about us here.
More than 5,000 BBC viewers and listeners in the South East have helped to create a unique artwork to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Rosie is in this piccy above…my original logo…can you spot where she is… she is on there twice.Many people submitted family portraits, photos of their ancestors, snaps of important occasions in their lives and of times that made them laugh. Rosie in this caravan shoot is one my favourite pictures…so I had to submit this one.
Artist Helen Marshall, aided by computer art experts Polly Tiles, used the images that were submitted to create a special photo mosaic portrait of the Queen.
Nanny Hilda…I also had to include…to think she will be a part of this artwork forever, makes me soooo happy….can you see her in a black and white picture sitting on a deckchair with her friend
The finished image (the first image above) contains a contemporary picture of the Queen and a photo taken at the beginning of her reign. A spokeswoman for BBC South East said: “The project has taken on a life of its own with everyone thinking long and hard about the image they want to represent them and their family in our Jubilee artwork. Can you see the caravan in this mosaic above, pictured twice.Stand up close to our artwork and you will see a mass of touching, funny or inspirational photos – step back 20 paces and it transforms to become a double portrait of the Queen.” There is a rather strange piccy in this lot of pictures…Freddy as a baby lol! The only baby with a mostache and glasses! such a stunning piece…don’t you think?Now the funny thing is, that I had totally forgot, that I had sent these pictures up to the BBC website! and when I heard that the deadline was closed, and after seeing the BIG REVEAL on TV…I was totally gutted that I hadn’t done something about it….Freddy had also submitted his piccy and whilst looking for his, he also found the others!….Who could of sent these pictures up we thought!…how are they on there if we didn’t put them on there!…After asking the family and realising that no way would our parents of put them on there…(they are silver surfers! lol!) I slowly started to remember that I had uploaded them about a month previous!..I know! I am totally hopeless! I had submitted 4 pics, thinking that was a bit cheeky at the time because they only asked for one!Now it turns out that so many of the pictures have been repeated…I just sooo wished I had of uploaded my whole family, especially my lovely Dad who passed away in 1987….But on the other hand I am soooo chuffed that my lovely Rosie is on there…I have been grinning from ear to ear all weekend…it is such a wonderful piece of artwork to be a part of…BREATH TAKING infact! You can also experience the full impact of the photo in person at the Towner Gallery in Eastbourne between 26 May and 10 June and at Margate’s Turner Contemporary on 16 and 17 June…see you there!
Occasionally I have been fortunate enough to learn from leaders I admire in settings where they model the principles and behaviors they are teaching. One of those times took place nearly 20 years ago at McCormick Place in Chicago where I encountered author Lance Secretan’s inspirational leadership model in a standing-room-only workshop. Another happened this past Wednesday when I heard author Peter Block share his insights about building vibrant communities through conversations that matter as the keynote speaker for a local community summit. It is this latter circumstance that prompted me to write this post.One of the key points Block made during his engaging presentation was how community transformation requires a different type of leader. Instead of a focus on personality, style, or role modeling this new leadership is about intention, convening, valuing relatedness, and presenting choices. Our current business models often elevate leaders in a way that creates a level of isolation and entitlement. What is needed instead are leaders who know how to encourage citizen engagement in a way that produces accountability and commitment.Block maintains that leaders who master the art of convening have three tasks:To create a context that nurtures a future based on gifts and generosity.
To initiate conversations that shift the way people are brought together and the questions used to engage them.
To listen and pay attention.
Under this new approach, the leader convenes, names the questions, and spends most of their time listening. This will be difficult for many leaders whose training has stressed the importance of speaking, perhaps as an expert or authority. Yet, when we are trying to restore social fabric or transform communities, listening become a lynchpin of sorts. Leaders who convene and listen will discover how restorative and energy-producing this process really is.My first-hand knowledge of convening grows out of a community engagement project I have been part of over the past four years with our local United Way. During a series of community-wide events and hundreds of smaller volunteer-driven gatherings, we have convened, named the key questions, and then listened to participants. The results have been stunning as new ideas and energy have emerged around three distinct community goals that are currently being implemented.It is likely that not every leader will be willing to give up control or shift their thinking from solving problems to exploring possibilities. We have many centuries of teaching and practice to overcome. But Peter Block’s advice is prescriptive for a world that is desperately seeking solutions to some very pressing problems. Let the convening begin!
